Fatal NTSB investigations
180,641 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,620 accidents, the rest incidents and other occurrences. Each has NTSB’s narrative and, once the investigation is done, its probable cause; since 2008, its findings and sequence of events.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal' ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"
Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB NYC92LA076Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-32 · Dayton, OHA failed wheel rim following an inadvertent over inflation by the mechanic. Additional causes were the failure of the mechanic to be aware of the pressure being used and his failure to follow procedures. A factor related to the accident was the failure of the…NTSB MIA92GA107Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBeech C90 · St. Augustine, FLThe pilot's failure to properly adhere to the published instrument approach procedure which resulted in descent below the minimum descent altitude. Factors which contributed to the accident were the low ceiling and fog.NTSB MIA92FA108Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlobe GC1-B · Miami, FLAn abrupt pitch up maneuver during acrobatic flight resulting in an overload failure of the right wing spar.NTSB FTW92GA111Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Albuquerque, NMFuel line failure due to vibratory fatigue. Factors were improper maintenance, manufacturer information for fuel line not available, and the pilots' failure to follow emergency procedures.NTSB FTW92FA112Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Venice, LAThe pilot's incapacitation due to food poisoning.NTSB NYC92FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Paris, OHThe failure of the pilot to maintain directional control which resulted in the airplane flying over higher terrain with a climb rate that was insufficient to clear the obstacles. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's lack of total experience and…NTSB LAX92FA169Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlobe GC-1B · Cucamonga, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude to avoid the rising terrain of the box canyon, and, his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed margin above stall while maneuvering in an attempt to reverse course. A factor in the accident was the pilot…NTSB MIA92LA103Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDouglas AD4-DW · Titusville, FLThe pilot in commands approach at higher than normal airspeed and his landing the aircraft at higher than normal airspeed at a point one half to three quarters down the runway resulting in the aircraft overrunning the runway and nosing over.NTSB LAX92LA167Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBede BD-5 · Compton, CA1) A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, 2) the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, and 3) the inadvertent entry into a stall spin. Factors in this accident were: 1) the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane, and 2) the…NTSB LAX92FA161Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A33 · Paradise, CAThe student pilot's inadvertent use of the mixture control instead of the cowl flaps at a critical phase of flight, his misuse of the flight controls after the engine failure and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the student. Contributing factors in…NTSB LAX92FA160Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Arcata, CAThe pilot's descent below decision height, and his alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgement. Factors contributing to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions and the dark night light conditions.NTSB CHI92FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Port Washington, WIThe continuation of VFR flight into IMC conditions, by a (pilot) unknown, and not maintaining aircraft control by a (pilot) unknown.NTSB CHI92FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Browntown, WISpatial disorientation and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors associated with this accident were the snow conditions, an inadequate weather evaluation by both the student and instructor, over confidence in personal ability,…NTSB ANC92LA056Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Kalskag, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane as a result of his physical impairment due to alcohol. A factor was the dark night.NTSB DEN92FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Larkspur, COThe pilot's failure to flare the airplane due to his reduced forward visibility. Factors were: the pilot's improper fuel consumption calculations, his failure to proceed to an alternate airport, fuel exhaustion, and weather conditions including snow, fog, and…NTSB FTW92FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 690A · Taos, NMThe pilot in command's failure to maintain the climb after departing the runway environment. Factors were the weather conditions and the dark night.NTSB LAX92FA156Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B95 · Devore, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude while flying over mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: the low clouds, dark night, and mountainous terrain.NTSB DEN92DTE01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportVans RV-4 · Bennett, COLoss of control by the pilot in command. A factor was: aircraft weight and balance limits exceeded.NTSB LAX92FA154Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Hesperia, CAA failure of the student pilot to maintain adequate rotor RPM. Contributing to the accident was a failure of the instructor pilot to adequately supervise the training flight and a delay in correcting a low rotor RPM condition.NTSB LAX92LA153Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Payson, AZThe pilot's poor preflight planning/preparation by intentionally flying into known adverse weather and his poor in-flight decision by not flying to an alternate airport when the airplane began to encounter icing. Contributing to this accident was the icing…NTSB LAX92FA151Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-236 · Lebec, CAThe pilot's delayed inflight decision to reverse course to avoid forecast adverse weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was icing conditions and lightning.NTSB BFO92FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20M · Youngs Bottom, WVThe pilot's inadequate inflight decision to continue flight in icing condition which resulted in degraded aircraft performance, inadequate airspeed, and aerodynamic stall. A related factor is the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather.NTSB FTW92FA098Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Oklahoma City, OKInadvertent stall during aborted landing. Factors were the tailwind, the pilot's selection of the wrong runway for existing wind conditions and his long landing.NTSB DCA92MA025Accident · 27 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportFokker 28-4000 · Flushing, NYThe failure of the airline industry and the federal aviation administration to provide flightcrews with procedures, requirements, and criteria compatible with departure delays in conditions conducive to airframe icing and the decision by the flightcrew to…NTSB BFO92FLQ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJames D. Riehm Rotorway Exec · Bowling Green, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor RPM which resulted in the inflight loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience and overconfidence in his ability.NTSB ATL92LA067Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Barnwell, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain a safe altitude above the ground while making a low pass at night.NTSB BFO92FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Accokeek, MDThe pilot experienced spatial disorientation which resulted in loss of control of the airplane.NTSB SEA92FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-D · Winthrop, WAThe student pilot's alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgement resulting in his failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around.NTSB MIA92FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Aberdeen, MSThe pilot-in-command's decision to initiate a turn back to the airport at a low altitude following loss of engine power.NTSB LAX92FA141Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Redding, CAA loss of engine power due to carburetor and air filter icing, and, the pilots decision to attempt flight into known adverse weather/icing conditions.NTSB ATL92LA068Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMaxair 582 · Willacoochee, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in a loss of flight control, and an inadvertent stall.NTSB CHI92DCJ02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau 300 · Grant, NEThe pilot's inadequate aircraft control while performing aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB BFO92FA038Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Norfolk, VAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL92FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBritish Aerospace BAE-3101 · Alcoa, TNThe pilot's failure to use the airplane checklist which resulted in a gear up landing; and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in an uncontrolled collision with the ground.NTSB MIA92LA096Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAnkerman, Donald L. SX300 · Okeechobee, FLFailure of the pilot-in-command to maintain airspeed (vs) resulting in inadvertent stall/mush.NTSB CHI92FA110Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Superior, WIInadequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin, and failure of the instructor pilot to take sufficient remedial action to prevent the loss of control.NTSB SEA92LA057Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobert L. Rice Davis DA-2A · Billings, MTThe failure of the pilot to maintain terrain clearance. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot's lack of experience and the rising terrain in the area.NTSB SEA92LA056Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander S-2R · Dufur, ORThe pilot in command's misjudgment of clearance with the power lines. Factors contributing to the accident were: object (transmission wire) and safety system (not installed).NTSB FTW92DPG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWind Ryder · Little Rock, ARA loss of control for undetermined reason(s).NTSB SEA92LA055Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 Beta · Oxbow, ORFailure of the pilot to maintain a proper visual lookout. A factor in the accident was the pilot's poor judgement in operating at low altitude along the river.NTSB BFO92FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Sandston, VAThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision failure to follow the missed approach procedure.NTSB BFO92FA031Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210K · Frederick, MDThe pilot's improper IFR operation and descent below the ILS glideslope and decision height, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees. The weather condition and lack of a recent weather briefing were related factors.NTSB LAX92FA136Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350D · Ft. Grant, AZ1) The pilot inadequately evaluating the enroute weather conditions, and, 2) the pilot making the inflight decision to continue VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Factors in this accident were the inability of the pilot to see the mountainous terrain…NTSB DEN92FA040Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-60 · New Castle, COAn inadvertent stall during an instrument approach with the autopilot engaged. A factor was: the pilot's physical impairment from a prescription drug.NTSB CHI92FA104Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Freeland, MIThe pilot's poor judgement in attempting flight after the airplane's fuselage was damaged during a loading operation. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the operator's failure to provide proper weight and balance data for the airplane, the…NTSB LAX92FA137Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Maricopa, AZDestructive mast bumping for an undetermined reason(s).NTSB LAX92FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Williams, AZThe pilot inadequately evaluating the weather condition, and the pilot's inflight decision to continue flight into adverse weather conditions. Factors in this accident were the pilot's visual lookout ability being restricted by the prevailing weather…NTSB ATL92FA053Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · N Topsail Beach, NCThe failure of the pilot to obtain and/or maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground. Factors were: the failure of the pilot to follow procedures/directives, his operation of the aircraft…NTSB LAX92AMS03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172D · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)The failure of the pilot to adequately evaluate the weather conditions, and continued VFR flight into IMC conditions which resulted in the pilot becoming lost and disoriented. Contributing to the accident was the lack of total aeronautical experience and fuel…NTSB LAX92FA130Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · San Ysidro, CAThe certified flight instructor's improper supervision of the flight to correct the student pilot's improper use of the flight controls resulting in an excessive angle of attack and failure to maintain the proper airspeed. Contributing to this accident was…